UPDATE: Reality TV star Matt Wright faces a legal showdown after being found guilty of attempting to pervert the course of justice connected to a tragic helicopter crash that claimed the life of his friend and co-star, Chris ‘Willow’ Wilson. The verdict was reached on October 13, 2023, in the Supreme Court in Darwin, Northern Territory, following a tense trial that has kept the nation on edge.
This shocking decision comes amid ongoing turmoil for Wright, who lost his best friend in the fatal crash that occurred in February 2022. The incident left pilot Sebastian Robinson as a paraplegic and unfolded during a crocodile-egg collecting trip in Arnhem Land.
Wright was accused of misrepresenting crucial details to investigators, including the helicopter’s fuel levels and attempting to persuade Robinson to falsify flight hours. Prosecutors revealed that Wright allegedly requested a friend to “torch” the helicopter’s maintenance release. While the jury convicted him on two counts, they were deadlocked on the third charge regarding the “torch” claim.
Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high as Dani Wilson, widow of Chris Wilson, condemned Wright’s actions for obstructing justice. She stated, “Wright denied a complete, thorough, and unimpeded investigation into the crash,” adding that her sons would face their fourth Father’s Day without their father, highlighting the ongoing emotional toll on their family.
Zac Chellingworth, brother of the injured pilot, echoed this sentiment, stating the verdicts provide closure but leave “huge and permanent” scars on their family. “The trauma has been relentless,” he said, emphasizing the lasting impact of Wright’s alleged cover-up.
Despite the trial’s conclusion, Wright’s legal battle is far from over. He is set for a sentencing hearing on October 16, 2023, while also appealing the jury’s findings through the Court of Criminal Appeal. The stakes are high, as the outcome of this appeal could significantly affect his future.
Additionally, the investigation into the crash is not finished. Detective Senior Sergeant Corey Borton, the lead investigator, confirmed that a coronial inquiry is forthcoming, with the coroner to decide whether to conduct a full inquest. “My investigation team has spent three years on the job and got the result that we did,” Borton stated, underscoring the complexity and depth of the investigation.
The ongoing legal and emotional ramifications of this case are far-reaching. Dani Wilson is pursuing a civil suit against Wright and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority over the tragic circumstances surrounding her husband’s death.
As this story develops, the impact of Wright’s actions continues to resonate through the lives of those affected, reminding us of the human cost behind the headlines. Stay tuned for further updates as the legal proceedings unfold.
